A quarter ounce of weed—about seven grams— is the go‑to size for regular U.S. cannabis consumers who want more than a single gram but don’t need a full ounce. In 2025, most legal dispensaries list a quarter for $50–$90 before tax. That window reflects a wholesale baseline of roughly $17 per quarter (7 g × $2.42 /g U.S. Spot Price) that retailers mark up for operating costs, state excise taxes, and testing fees.
Buying a quarter often beats two separate eighths on cost‑per‑gram, yet it still fits comfortably under most states’ daily purchase limits. If you’re a medical marijuana patient, check for card‑holder discounts that can shave 10 %–20 % off shelf price in many states.
What Exactly Is a “Quarter”?
Cannabis is sold using both imperial and metric units, so it helps to memorize the weed measurement ladder:
|
Imperial term |
Exact amount |
Metric |
Everyday tip |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Gram (“dime bag”) |
1 ⁄ 28 oz |
~1 g |
Good for 1 large joint |
|
Eighth |
⅛ oz |
3.5 g |
Two – three blunts |
|
Quarter |
¼ oz |
7 g |
Five – seven blunts |
|
Half ounce |
½ oz |
14 g |
Often called a “half‑O” |
|
Ounce (“zip”) |
1 oz |
28 g |
Four quarters or eight eighths |
A “quarter‑zip” or simply “Q” are street‑level slang terms for the same seven‑gram bundle.
Average Quarter of Weed Price in 2025
Nation‑wide wholesale data peg the U.S. Spot Price at $2.42 per gram as of July 18 2025, which translates to $16–$18 wholesale for a quarter. Retail shelves add mark‑ups, testing, compliance, and excise tax, so consumers usually pay between $50 and $90. For example, House of Dank in Michigan lists a premium indoor quarter at $65 today—squarely in the middle of that range.
If your local menu shows a seven‑gram jar in those price bands, you’re getting a market‑rate deal.
Why Prices Swing From State to State
The biggest driver is state cannabis tax policy. Excise and sales taxes range from 5 % to 37 %; a quarter that costs $60 pre‑tax in Oregon can jump above $80 in Illinois after a 20 %+ excise levy.
Other variables that make your quarter ounce cheaper or pricier:
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Licensing caps & supply rules – Limited‑license states (e.g., NY) keep wholesale costs high.
-
Growing climate – Outdoor‑friendly states (CA, CO, OR) produce surplus flower that pushes prices down.
-
Competition density – More dispensaries per capita means more “happy hour” specials and loyalty deals.
-
Medical vs. recreational tiers – Medical card holders often pay lower or no excise tax.
-
Border economics – Driving to the next legal state may look cheap, but remember crossing state lines with cannabis stays a federal offense.
Knowing how state laws and local market forces interact helps consumers spot great deals and avoid overpaying.
Key Factors That Shape the Price You See
Even within one dispensary, two quarters can differ by $20. Here’s what sets them apart:
|
Factor |
Why it matters |
What to look for |
|---|---|---|
|
Potency & lab score |
Higher THC or exotic terpene profiles fetch a premium. |
Check COAs for exact number rather than just strain hype. |
|
Grow method |
Indoor tends to cost more than sun‑grown but may offer tighter buds and higher potency. |
Decide if you value appearance over savings. |
|
Brand reputation |
Well‑known craft growers build loyal followings. |
Sample small quantities first to judge whether the up‑charge is worth it. |
|
Bulk or shake deals |
“Smalls” or popcorn buds can be 20–40 % cheaper for the same strain. |
Great for edibles or grinding. |
|
Medical patient status |
Card holders can skip or reduce excise taxes in many states. |
Bring your card to claim savings. |
Health‑conscious buyers should also remember that heavy use can impair memory and reaction time, per the CDC’s cannabis health‑effects page—another reason to pace consumption and store any larger quantities safely.
Medical vs. Recreational: Who Pays Less?
If you hold a medical patient card, your quarter ounce often rings up 10–30 % cheaper than a recreational purchase in the same city. Many states set a lower excise‑tax tier for medical marijuana patients—Montana, for example, taxes recreational flower at 20 % but medical flower at just 4 %.
Add normal sales tax, and a $70 recreational quarter can fall to about $55 for card‑holders. Some legal states like Colorado also waive local option fees for medical buyers, and dispensaries frequently stack loyalty points on top of the tax break. For anyone using cannabis separately as medicine—anxiety relief, chronic‑pain management, or higher potency dosing—getting certified can pay for itself in a few shopping trips. Before you apply, always check your state’s weed measurements purchase limits and qualifying conditions.
Price‑Per‑Gram Math: Quarter vs. Other Sizes
Smart shoppers look past the shelf sticker to the exact number—cost per gram:
|
Size |
Weight |
Average Price* |
Cost / Gram |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Single gram |
1 g |
$10–$15 |
$10–$15 |
|
Eighth |
3.5 g |
$25–$50 |
$7–$14 |
|
Quarter ounce |
7 g |
$50–$90 |
$7–$13 |
|
Half ounce |
14 g |
$95–$160 |
$6–$11 |
|
Full ounce |
28 g |
$120–$225 |
$4–$8 |
Notice the sweet spot: a quarter beats two eighths by $5–$10 while sparing you the larger quantities storage worries that come with a full ounce. Regular users who enjoy testing a new strain every few weeks often stick to quarters for freshness plus value.
How to Save Money on a Quarter of Weed
-
Happy‑hour and “first‑timer” deals—many dispensaries slash 15 % off between 2‑4 p.m. on weekdays.
-
Shake/popcorn buds: same THC, lower price; ideal for edibles or grinding fine.
-
Bulk share: split a full ounce with a friend; you’ll each pay wholesale‑like rates for one quarter.
-
Loyalty apps & text clubs: stack points toward a $1 pre‑roll or $10 off next quarter.
-
Follow harvest season: outdoor flower floods Western markets each October, driving quarter prices down 20 % for a few months—classic supply‑and‑demand in the cannabis industry.
Combine two tactics (say, shake + loyalty points) and knocking a $70 ticket down to $55 is common. That’s true “cost‑effective options” without sacrificing quality or potency.
Legal States
-
Age & ID: you must be 21 + (recreational) or a registered medical patient.
-
Purchase limits: most states cap daily flower sales at one ounce; some limit to a quarter pound per month for medical users.
-
Driving: recent cannabis use slows reaction time—never toke and drive.
-
Cross‑state transport: carrying even a single gram across state lines violates federal law; buy where you consume.
-
Storage: keep buds in an airtight glass jar, out of heat and sunlight, to maintain higher potency for 30+ days.
-
Health note: heavy daily intake can impair memory for a week or more; consider tolerance breaks.
Following these state laws means you keep your money—and your license—safe.
FAQs
How much is a quarter in weed?
A quarter of weed costs about $50–$90 in 2025, varying by state taxes and strain quality.
Is 7 g a quarter?
Yes. A quarter ounce = seven grams, the industry standard for this weight.
Is $70 for a quarter of weed good?
$70 lands in the mid‑shelf range. Check the lab potency and local excise tax—high‑tax states can push average price higher.
How many grams is a quarter zip?
“Quarter zip” is slang for the same seven‑gram bundle.
Conclusion
Mastering weed measurements empowers you to compare prices, judge quality, and avoid overpaying. Remember:
-
Always check your exact amount (7 g) and do the math per gram.
-
Weigh taxes, brand, and grow method before deciding if a $70 quarter is a good deal.
-
Medical card‑holders and savvy shoppers can trim 20 % or more off the shelf price through tax breaks, loyalty points, or shake specials.
-
Respect local state laws, store product properly, and plan a sober ride home.
With these tips, U.S. cannabis consumers can buy a quarter ounce confidently—saving money while enjoying fresh, high‑quality buds every time.
